Victims' mother sues day care operator, state

March 23, 2011 2:15:28 PM PDT

HOUSTON --

The mother of two of the young day care fire victims has filed a lawsuit against operator Jessica Tata, her parents and the state of Texas.

Tiffany Dickerson's 3-year-old son, Shomari, was killed in the fire. His 2-year-old sister Makayla was severely burned and faces more surgeries and rehabilitation to help her regain the use of her legs.

Dickerson is suing Tata, her parents and the state for negligence. The lawsuit claims if the state had followed its own minimum standards for in-home day cares, it never should have given a license to Jackie's Child Care, the business operated by Tata.

Besides Shomari and Makayla Dickerson, three other children were killed and two more injured in the February 24th fire.